Hodgedon v. Hubbard Case Brief

FactsPlaintiff purchased a stove on misrepresented credit. Defendant almost immediately realized Plaintiff was fin irresponsible, and went after p to recover the stove. Defendant attempted to repossess the stove and Plaintiff pulled out a knife, force was used to recover the stove. Plaintiff sought action against Defendant for trespass for assault and battery, and for taking away the stove. Jury was instructed that although p did take the stove, d were not justified in using force to retrieve it, and if force was used, the d would be liable. Verdict was for the plaintiff, defendant raised exceptions. Now on appeal before the Supreme Court of VermontIssueWhether Defendant’s were justified to use force to recover their property obtained by fraudulent means?RuleYes, Defendant’s were justified to use force to recover their property obtained by fraudulent meansAnalysisTo recover property, no violence was necessary or required. The plaintiff pulled out a knife and thus became the aggressor. Defendant had no right to protect his possession of the stove which he acquired by fraudulent means. Defendant’s had a right to hold the plaintiff by force, and they used no unnecessary violenceConclusionjudgment reversed

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